RangerClay

I'm still praying for the day that they bring back Realtree Hardwoods. I've gotten away from Realtree clothing because it's too light. I swear it's designed for a southern hunter and not a northern hunter. https://www.realtree.com/realtree-hardwoods-hd-camo

It's a nice perk of living up north isn't. Any snakes we do have are gone by the time deer season starts.

Yup. Good advise. Try getting hide off within a few hours, it peels off so easy when they are warm. It gets cold fast here in NY and I'm sure it's cold in Maine also. Last deer I shot I had the hide off as soon as I hung it. It peeled off so easy. I can never understand why people age deer with the hide on. Every slaughter house I've ever been to never ages beef with the hide on.

I've cut my own deer since I was old enough to help my dad. It's not that hard once you get the hang of it and learn where all of the seams are. If possible find someone who does his own and ask to watch. There are a number of good videos on YouTube that will give you the basics. Here a few tips. 1. Skin your deer as soon as possible to start the cooling process. 2. Buy the finest butchering knives out there that you can afford. I like Forschner knives. Also get a good sharpener. 3. I bought an old fridge off craigslist. If the weather hot I will divide my deer into it's 7 main parts (inside loins, backstraps, 4 legs, neck roast) and put them in there to chill until I'm ready to work on it. 4. Wrap venison in plastic bags then use freezer paper. There is few things more satisfying as a hunter than cutting your own deer. You will have complete control of how much meat doesn't go to waste and the cleanliness of your butchering area. Good luck!

Hi Guys, still unseasonably warm. Not much moving during the day. Our muzzleloader season starts Saturday. If the opportunity arises I will smoke a big doe for the freezer. Good luck to you!

Hey thanks. I didn't make it out yesterday, it was just too damn warm. It was about 85 degrees and 85% humidity. It was the first opening day I've missed in years. I usually go and sit more for a ceremonial thing but I didn't want to get it all stunk up. I will be out there after work today. I can hardly wait for that first deer of the year rush.

So sorry William Prayers sent for you and your entire family.

Hi Guys! I'm here. My season starts September 27. I hope it cools down soon. It's supposed to be 90 on Monday.

Joe Hulbert RangerClay 52 New York Sept 27- mid December

Hey stranger! Welcome back!

This year Fathers Day fell on my son's birthday so it was all about him. I didn't do much. I mowed the lawn and watched a John Wayne movie when I got a moment.

Just wondering. Would you wear these jeans in public? I figure maybe sparkly jeans would go in San Francisco but definitely not in my neck of the woods.

LOL! Many old school dog owners think it's terrible to put a dog on a lead. Every dog I've ever owned has been hooked to a 50' rope and they don't mind. Sure feels good to let a dog out to do "their business" and know they are not chasing deer or getting tangled with a skunk. Our dog gets to run free almost every day but under supervision.

My daughter is getting Confirmed tomorrow. Big party with lots of people. Sunday it's clean up and rest.

I've got a food in the woods. For years I have been able to trim back the canopy but it has grown to high for me. Now nothing grows where there is not direct sunlight. Does anyone have a shade tolerant seed blend recommendation?

I'm bottling a wine Saturday morning then Saturday afternoon myself and some my brother Knights of Columbus are giving all the mom's in church presents after vigil mass. Sunday I will be taking care of the mother of my children then off to lunch with my mother in-outlaw. This will be my first Mothers Day without my mom so I'm feeling a little depressed.

If they have a bikini football then perhaps NASCAR could follow suit. Just sayin' It would get ratings.

If it was Lassie you would let her dig.

Funny, and it was the Cabelas getting into the credit card business that was their intimate demise.

Put the dog on a lead.

The new owner is the owner of Camping World stores. From what I gather the new owner is making several demands of all locations. They include lower rent and a certain minimum wage (I believe $12 per hour). If their demands are met by lease holders and local officials they will keep their stores open.

We all know what has happened with Gander Mountain. If you have a gift card you must redeem it by May 18th or it will become invalid.

Thanks Scott and Realtree! My goodies arrived yesterday.

One of my favorite stories was when my daughter was very young and we were in Home Depot. The roof was leaking and there was a bucket on the floor catching the water. She looked at the bucket and then the ceiling several times and says, "Daddy, why don't they fix the roof? They have all the stuff to fix it here." You are very wise Grasshopper.

I finally got my order to go through. Thanks Scott!